Domestic Abuse Housing Policy agreed by Highland Council

The Housing and Property Committee met today (Wednesday 5 Nov 2025) and agreed a new Domestic Abuse Housing Policy that clearly sets out its approach to assisting victim-survivors of domestic abuse.

The Policy strengthens the Council’s role in preventing homelessness caused by domestic abuse, while ensuring a person-centred and safety focused response. 

Housing & Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “Everyone deserves to live free from fear and abuse. This policy strengthens the Council’s commitment to addressing domestic abuse and ensures our services are responsive to the needs of individuals and families who have experienced, are experiencing, or are at risk of abuse. It also clearly communicates our zero-tolerance stance and promotes a culture of equality and respect.”

“At the core of our approach is the belief that victims should have the right to choose. Whether they decide to remain in their home or relocate, their wishes will guide our response. We are committed to making housing part of the solution, not a barrier for those seeking safety.”

Last year over 2,700 incidents of domestic abuse were recorded by Police Scotland in Highland.

On average, 167 households present as homeless each year in Highland due to a violent or abusive relationship breakdown, this is 12% of all households who approach the Council as homeless as they have nowhere safe and secure to live (1 in 9 households).

Women are disproportionately affected, and many do not disclose abuse due to fear, stigma, or lack of housing options.

The new policy will:

• Improve housing outcomes for victims and their children.
• Provide a trauma-informed, person-centred service to victims of domestic abuse.
• Promote preventative and proactive approaches, including support to remain safely in the home where appropriate.
• Recognise domestic abuse as a breach of tenancy.
• Prepare for the implementation of new powers under the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021, which will allow landlords to remove perpetrators from their tenancy (enabling the victims to remain if they choose).

The policy has been shaped by the voices of those with lived experience, as well as input from Council staff, tenant volunteers and partner organisations. It builds on The Highland Council’s existing work with its partners in the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership, and its pledge to the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Make a Stand campaign.

An implementation plan is already underway and includes:

• Ensuring, through training, that housing staff, and anyone delivering services on its behalf, have the skills to recognise and respond to domestic abuse.
• Awareness raising to make sure that people know how to get the help they need to keep them and their families safe.
• Service improvements to embed the policy in practice.

The Highland Council is committed to ensuring that anyone experiencing domestic abuse is listened to, supported, and empowered to make informed choices about their housing and safety.

The full report can be read here (Item 11).

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